We’ve teased this for a few months, and we’re finally ready to announce it to the public! South Coast Botanic Garden is proud to present Garden Lights & Ocean Waters, also known as GLOW, a visually stunning light exhibition that will transform our beloved and lush botanical oasis into a nighttime oceanic experience you won’t soon forget.

The Garden’s fan-favorite collections like the Bohannon Rose Garden, Banyan Grove, Desert Collection and Living Wall will dance with light in this festive installation for our first-ever nighttime art installation.

Opening to the public on November 21 and running through January 10, 2021, this after-dark walk through the Garden is set to an artistically curated soundtrack featuring a little something for everyone, from original electro-pop songs produced specifically for GLOW by DJ Jerzy to Baja surf music, Train and Vivaldi.

AT A GLANCE:

What: GLOW, an after-dark walk through the Garden

When: Daily November 21, 2020-January 10, 2021 with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Timed tickets start as early as 5:30 p.m. and as late as 8:30 p.m.

Tickets: $24.95 per person for Members, $34.95 per person for non-members. Children 4 and under are free. Member Presale begins October 22 with General Public tickets available November 6. 

Website: southcoastbotanicgarden.org/glow

Brought to life by California Outdoor Lighting’s Anthony Bogdanovich and Michael Holland, GLOW has taken the duo months to plan, with twists and turns as the pandemic evolved. However, both they and the Garden staff have remained committed to bringing this exhibit to life in a safe manner.

“This year has brought the Garden many challenges, but we’re committed to remaining a safe place of respite for the public, whether it be during our regular business hours or during GLOW,” says Adrienne Nakashima, CEO, South Coast Botanic Garden. “Every time visitors come to the Garden they experience something new — new blooms, colors, smells, people, experiences. A visit during GLOW will allow them to see the Garden in a new light — literally.”

Working hand-in-hand with the team at California Outdoor Lighting has been the Garden’s Chief Operating Officer, MaryLynn Mack, who originated the concept, and Kelly Krusee, Director of Learning and Engagement.

“There is something for everyone in GLOW. I can’t wait to see how people react to it and hear about their favorite parts,” says Krusee. “I think one of the biggest ‘wow’ moments will be in the Banyan Grove. That area is stunning on its own, and to see it with Anthony and Mike’s concept and the music will be incredible.”

GLOW is California Outdoor Lighting’s first large-scale installation in a public space. Previously the company, which is located in San Pedro, worked primarily in commercial and residential projects.

Garden visitors will start seeing construction of the exhibit as early as this week. Some areas within the Rose Garden, Desert Garden and Banyan Grove will be closed to visitors once the exhibit has been installed and will remain closed throughout the run of GLOW.

Timed-ticket reservations are required for all visitors, however, Members have a chance to reserve their tickets before anyone else. Member Presale for discounted tickets of $24.95 begins October 22. The general public can purchase their tickets for $34.95 starting November 6. Sustainer, Supporter and Garden Circle members will receive TWO complimentary Golden Tickets, good for reservation-free entry.

Guests can reserve tickets for as early as 5:30 p.m. and as late as 8:30 p.m. throughout the exhibit. For more information to plan your visit, click here. For help over the phone between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., please call (424) 452-0920.

Looking for a safe way to get out of the house and give back during the holidays? Consider volunteering with us! We are in need of volunteers to help ensure GLOW is a success. Interested parties can contact volunteers@southcoastbotanicgarden.org.